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New York Red Bulls

Weekly Update: Red Bulls Hunt for Open Cup Quarterfinals Berth Tuesday

June 4, 2012 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
New York Red Bulls News Release


RED BULLS CONTINUE OPEN CUP QUEST AT HARRISBURG CITY ISLANDERS; MATCH STREAMED LIVE ON NEWYORKREDBULLS.COM

The New York Red Bulls look to advance to the quarterfinals of the 2012 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday when they visit USL PRO side Harrisburg City Islanders at Skyline Sports Complex in Harrisburg, PA. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET (Please note: It was previously incorrectly listed as 7:30 PM). The match will be streamed live via www.newyorkredbulls.com.

A 3-0 defeat over USL PRO side Charleston Battery last Tuesday put the Red Bulls into the fourth round and set up the match with Harrisburg. New York got goals from leading scorer Kenny Cooper and the first goals in a New York shirt from both Connor Lade and Heath Pearce. With a win on Tuesday, New York will advance to the quarterfinals for the second straight season, where they will take on the winner of the Philadelphia Union-D.C. United match on June 26. If New York advances, it would have to travel and play at either the Union's PPL Park or United's RFK Stadium. Kickoff for both of those potential match-ups is 7:30 PM.

The City Islanders hope to knock off their second straight MLS side, as they defeated the New England Revolution in the third round in a thrilling affair. After a scoreless first 90 minutes, the teams combined for six goals in extra time, with the Revs taking a 3-0 lead after the first 15 minute period. Harrisburg made a stunning comeback on goals from Brian Ombiji, Sainey Touray and J.T. Noone before winning the shootout 4-3.

This will be the second time the teams have met in Open Cup play. In 2010, the City Islanders knocked the Red Bulls out in the third round, winning a close 1-0 affair in extra time.

RED BULLS-CITY ISLANDERS CONNECTIONS

Red Bulls defender Tyler Ruthven was a member of the 2010 Harrisburg City Islanders squad, playing all 120 minutes in their 1-0 defeat of the Red Bulls in the third round of the U.S. Open Cup that season. Ruthven spent last season with the Atlanta Silverbacks of the North American Soccer League before signing with New York this March. He has appeared in five matches this season, helping the team pitch three consecutive shutouts from May 5-13.

Harrisburg forward Sainey Touray was a member of the Red Bulls during the 2008 season, signing with the club after a successful trial. He featured for the Red Bulls Reserve Team, but did not make a first team appearance. He left the club following 2008, and resurfaced in American soccer in 2010 with second division side Carolina Railhawks before joining Harrisburg City last year.

NEW YORK ADVANCES TO FOURTH ROUND OF OPEN CUP WITH 3-0 WIN OVER CHARLESTON

Goals from Kenny Cooper, Heath Pearce and Connor Lade helped give the New York Red Bulls a 3-0 win over USL PRO side, the Charleston Battery, in the Third Round of the 2012 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on May 29 at Blackbaud Stadium.

The Battery tried to challenge New York's defense immediately and in the first minute, Tony Donatelli ripped a long-range effort that was held by goalkeeper Ryan Meara. Twelve minutes later, Colin Falvey got on the end of a Jose Cuevas free kick delivery at the back post and headed it into Meara's arms.

New York took the lead in the 14th minute through its leading scorer Cooper. Mehdi Ballouchy passed the ball into the box to Cooper, who was able to brush off his defender before turning and ripping a left-footed shot into the bottom corner of the net.

The visitors looked to double their advantage soon after as Jan Gunnar Solli's deflected shot was held by goalkeeper Brock Duckworth and Jhonny Arteaga's blast zipped past the right post. On the other end, another Cuevas free kick fell dangerously towards the back post and eluded the players in the penalty box. Falvey knocked on the door again, forcing Meara to tip over his header off a corner kick in the 33rd minute.

Despite pressure from the hosts, New York made the score 2-0 with four minutes left in the half. Ballouchy cut a corner kick to the top of the box back to Dax McCarty. McCarty chipped it towards the left post and Pearce was there to volley it home for his first goal as a Red Bull.

Battery forward Sallieu Bundu had a pair of opportunities cut Charleston's deficit to one, but both of his attempts were saved by Meara. On the other end, Ballouchy tried to make it 3-0, ripping it on frame and forcing a block by Duckworth.

Lade wrapped up the result for New York with 20 minutes to play with a spectacular effort. The rookie was fed the ball by Solli and from 27-yards-out, curled it into the top right corner of the net.

BREAKING THROUGH

New York's 3-0 victory over Charleston in the third round of the U.S. open Cup last Tuesday was highlighted by a few debuts and firsts. Red Bulls defender Heath Pearce, who was acquired on May 17 from Chivas USA in exchange for forward Juan Agudelo, scored his first goal as a Red Bull, putting New York up by two in the 41st minute. Pearce has played in two regular season matches since joining New York.

Rookie and Red Bulls Academy product Connor Lade scored his first career goal in the victory, blasting a shot from 27 yards out in the 70th minute to complete the scoring of the 3-0 win. Lade, a New Jersey native and former St. John's University player, has made six regular season appearances in his first professional season, starting five games and registering one assist.

Midfielder Ryan Maduro and defender Jonathan Borrajo both made their club debuts at Charleston, coming off the bench late in the match. Both players are currently in their first seasons with New York and have yet to appear in a regular season match.

HOT START

With 26 points off an 8-3-2 record, the Red Bulls are off to their best start in club history through 13 regular season games. This tops the 21-point start the team had in 2007 (6-3-4), and the 24-point start in 2010 (8-5-0).

FANTASTIC FIVE

Red Bulls forward Kenny Cooper has a goal in each of his last five matches overall, most recently notching the winning goal in New York's 3-0 win over the Charleston Battery on May 29. Cooper also scored the game-tying goal on May 23 in MLS regular season play vs. Chivas USA. The goal was Cooper's team-best 11th of the season, which puts him in a tie atop MLS' goal scoring list with San Jose forward Chris Wondolowski.

GREAT DANE

Red Bulls midfielder Dane Richards is now third on the club's all-time regular season games played list. With his appearance on May 23 against Chivas USA, Richards passed Seth Stammler and John Wolyniec to move into sole possession of third place. Richards now only trails Carlos Mendes (146) and Mike Petke (169) in all-time games played.

Additionally, Richards' assist on Kenny Cooper's game-tying goal was his 26th career assist in the regular season, which is third-best in New York history. Richards is 10 assists behind Tab Ramos and Amado Guevara, who lead the club in all-time assists.

RETURN OF HENRY

Red Bulls captain and forward Thierry Henry made his return to the lineup on May 23 vs. Chivas USA after missing the past four matches with a strained right hamstring. Henry started and played the full 90 minutes in the 1-1 draw. Henry, Major League Soccer's Player of the Month for March, is currently second on the team and third in MLS with nine goals and leads the Red Bulls with five assists.

RED BULLS LOAN HERTZOG TO WILMINGTON HAMMERHEADS

The New York Red Bulls announced May 29 they have loaned forward Corey Hertzog to USL PRO side, the Wilmington Hammerheads, for the next month.

Hertzog, originally drafted by New York in the first round (13th overall) of the 2011 MLS SuperDraft out of Penn State University, had not made a first team appearance for the Red Bulls in 2012. Last season, Hertzog featured in five regular season games. Hertzog scored one goal in three MLS Reserve League appearances this year. Wilmington is currently in seventh place in USL PRO with nine points off a 2-3-3 record.

FOUR RED BULLS CALLED IN FOR INTERNATIONAL DUTY

Red Bulls Roy Miller (Costa Rica), Joel Lindpere (Estonia), Rafa Marquez (Mexico) and Dane Richards (Jamaica) were recently called up for international duty and have been representing their respective nations on the pitch.

Miller took the pitch for Costa Rica against Guatemala on Friday June 1. Despite Costa Rica's best efforts, Guatemala bested the Ticos 1-0. It was Miller's 30th appearance for Costa Rica. Costa Rica will begin play in Group B of CONCACAF's World Cup Qualifying group stage on June 8 when they host El Salvador. The Ticos then continue qualifying on June 12 when they visit Guyana in Georgetown. The defender has received 27 caps for the Ticos in his international career. Miller is off to a hot start for New York this season, propelling a potent attack with four assists in 10 games.

Also on Friday, Finland and Estonia competed for the Baltic Cup, with Finland beating Estonia 2-1 to advance in the tournament. Lindpere did not appear in the match, but did earn his 78th cap for Estonia on May 28 in a 4-0 loss to Ukraine. The team next travels to France for an international friendly on June 5. Lindpere was in fine form for New York before leaving for international duty, scoring twice in the past five matches for the Red Bulls.

This past Sunday June 3, Mexico defeated Brazil 2-0 in an international friendly. This marked El Tri's third straight win during their United States tour, previously trouncing Wales and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Red Bulls midfielder Rafa Marquez did not play in Sunday's match, but did earn his 111th international cap in the victory over Wales back on May 27. Mexico begins the Group Stage of World Cup Qualifying on June 8 when they host Guyana and continues four days later in a road tilt against El Salvador. Marquez has recorded two assists in six games so far this season with the Red Bulls.

Also on Sunday, Dane Richards and The Reggae Boyz played against Panama in an international friendly. Richards scored Jamaica's only goal in the 42nd minute, but they ultimately fell short against Panama's two goals in the 33rd and 75th minutes. The goal was Richards' eighth of his international career, in which he has earned 36 caps. Jamaica begins the Group Stage of CONCACAF's qualification for the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 8 against Guatemala in Kingston. On June 12, Richards and Jamaica play their second Group Stage game, visiting Antigua and Barbuda. This season for New York, Richards has played in 13 games, starting all, and has registered one goal and two assists.

VICTOR PALSSON WITH ICELAND UNDER-21 SQUAD

Red Bulls midfielder Victor Palsson will be unavailable for selection, as he is with the Iceland Under-21 National Team. Palsson and Iceland will play in the qualifying stages of the UEFA Under-21 Championships. Iceland faces Azerbaijan on June 5 in Reykjavik, Iceland and Norway on June 12 in Drammen, Norway in Group 8 play.

RED BULL ARENA TO HOST MESSI, ARGENTINA NATIONAL TEAM IN PRACTICE ON JUNE 7

The New York Red Bulls and Cardenas Marketing Network announced that Red Bull Arena will play host to Lionel Messi and the Argentina National Team in an open practice Thursday, June 7 at 7:00 PM ET.

Messi, a three-time FIFA Player of the Year winner, travels stateside with his national team for a highly anticipated friendly against five-time FIFA World Cup champion Brazil June 9 at MetLife Stadium. The match, which sold out in just over three weeks, is the fastest-selling soccer match in U.S. history.

Tickets for the Argentina open practice are on sale and can be purchased by calling 877.RB.SOCCER or by visiting tickets.newyorkredbulls.com.

New York Red Bulls Stampede Members will receive a free ticket to the Argentina National Team training session at Red Bull Arena as part of their Season Ticket welcome gift.

Red, Yellow and Blue members will have until 11:00 AM ET on Friday, June 1 to RSVP and redeem their free admission to this unique event. A separate email with information and instructions will be sent directly to all of the team's season ticket holders.

Both Brazil and Argentina played the U.S. National Team at MetLife Stadium on August 10, 2010 and March 26, 2011, respectively. The return trip is undoubtedly a must-see event for soccer fans living in the New York area.

Argentina, home to one of the sport's most iconic figures, Diego Maradona, is one of only five nations to hoist multiple World Cups and is a 14-time continental champion. Brazil is largely considered the most successful federation in international soccer, home to many of the sport's icons, including Pele, Ronaldo, and current Real Madrid superstar Kaka. Brazil is the only nation to win five World Cups and is an eight-time continental champion.

RED BULLS TO HOST TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR ON JULY 31 AT RED BULL ARENA

The New York Red Bulls will face English Premiership club, Tottenham Hotspur, on Tuesday, July 31, at Red Bull Arena as part of the inaugural New York Invitational Cup. Kickoff time and broadcast information will be announced at a later date.

Red Bulls Full Season Ticket Holders will have this match included in their plans as "Event 18" (out of 20). Season Ticket Holders will have access to an exclusive team meet-and-greet, as well as an open practice and autograph session. Fans can purchase tickets for the Tottenham match through an exclusive three-game pack by logging onto www.newyorkredbulls.com or calling 1.877.RBSOCCER.

"Tottenham has been one of the top EPL teams over the past several years and we are thrilled to play host to them at Red Bull Arena," said Chris Heck, New York Red Bulls President, Business Operations. "We are also excited to bring an elite international club as a reward for our season ticket holders and the supporters for both clubs. There will be several exciting events prior to, during and after the match that will have the direct involvement of fans and we are looking forward to revealing more details later this spring."

"We are delighted to have the opportunity to take part in the inaugural New York Invitational Cup. We enjoyed an excellent match against the Red Bulls during our last tour to the US and we expect this game to be equally competitive," said Tottenham Hotspur Chairman Daniel Levy. "In recent years, we have seen a significant rise in the number of Spurs fans across the USA and especially in and around New York and New Jersey. This match presents us with a great opportunity to give something back to those fans and also introduce new supporters to the Spurs way of playing soccer."

Tottenham, also known as Spurs, finished fourth in the 2011-12 Barclays Premier League. The London-based club boasts a number of top international players including Welsh midfielder Gareth Bale, Dutch midfielder Rafael Van der Vaart and Croatian midfielder Luka Modric. In addition, former U.S. Men's National Team standout goalkeeper Brad Friedel plays for Spurs.

Tottenham came to Red Bull Arena on July 22, 2010 as part of the New York Football Challenge and won, 2-1, behind goals from Robbie Keane and Bale. New York forward and former Arsenal FC star Thierry Henry made his Red Bulls debut in that match and scored in the first half. The Red Bulls have a 1-1-1 record all-time against English Premier League sides and are 42-26-15 in international play.

RED BULLS ACADEMY UPDATE: U-23's Stay Perfect, U-18's Brandon Allen Reaches 20-Plus Goals

The Red Bulls Academy went an impressive 8-0-1 over the weekend highlighted by the Under-23 team winning two more matches to run its unbeaten streak to seven. The team traveled to Maine for matches on Saturday and Sunday, beginning with a 2-0 victory over the Seacoast Phantoms. The first 70 minutes of the match went by with the teams level, but Blerti Hajdari finally broke the deadlock, hammering in a rebound off a Mike Innocenzi strike. A few minutes later, Hajdari peppered in a strike from about 30 yards out to provide the insurance goal. On Sunday, the U-23's scored twice again, beating Seacoast United 2-1 to stay atop the league table. Mark Brode's first goal of the season, finishing off a Konrad Plewa pass. Then it was Hajdari again firing home his third goal of the weekend putting the Red Bulls in command. Seacoast United did eventually pull one back, but the Red Bulls were able to hold for the victory despite 12 minutes of added time in the second half.

Brandon Allen continued his excellent season this weekend, scoring four times to raise his season total to 21. On Saturday, the U-18's defeated the Cosmos Academy by a 4-1 score. After Kerlins Georges opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, the Cosmos were able to level the game just moments later. That's where Allen took over, scoring in the 32nd, 76th and 87th minutes, with Mael Corboz assisting on two of the goals. The following day, the U-18s again found the back of the net with regularity, defeating Met Oval 5-1, moving into first place in the Liberty Division. A fourth minute Met Oval own goal put the Red Bulls on top, and the squad extended the lead to 4-0 before halftime with two goals from Ethan Decker and one from Eric Lagg. Again, Corboz played facilitator, setting up both of Decker's goals to raise his season assist total to six. For good measure in the second half, Allen converted a Danny Bedoya feed for his 21st goal of the season.

On Saturday, the Under-16 Red Bulls defeated the Cosmos Academy 2-0. Alex Muyl had a part in both goals, setting up Amando Moreno for the first goal which came after a scoreless first frame. Muyl then scored an excellent goal, picking the ball up from midfield and dribbling past three Cosmos defenders before rounding the goalkeeper and sending the ball into the back of the net. The following day, the U-16s picked up a point in a 1-1 draw with Met Oval. The Red Bulls went ahead on a goal by Vinny Brunetti, but the Cosmos leveled the game before halftime. Despite playing with 10 men throughout most of the second half, the Red Bulls were able to defend well and earn the draw.

The Red Bulls Under-13, Under-14 and Under-15 teams all advanced to the semifinals of their respective playoffs with victories this weekend. Matt Olusunde notched four goals and two assists in a one-sided win over Met Oval for the U-13s. On Sunday the U-14s defeated Matchfit Academy 4-0, led by two goals and an assist from Rafael Terci, and the Undr-15s also found the back of the net often, pouring in six in a win over Albertson on Sunday thanks to a hat trick from Harrison Steadman. All three teams will play in the semifinals this coming weekend in Lancaster, PA.

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